Commemoration of the Apology & Book launch

On Tuesday the 25th of February we celebrated and Commemorated the Apology. We also launched our new book – “On the Banks of the Barambah – a History of Cherbourg”

We had a wonderful turn out and there was standing room only with some people only able to listen to the proceedings from the balcony. Bevan Costello was MC for the day. The Barambah Dancers welcomed everyone to country with a special welcoming dance. Aunty Ada started with a moving personal account of her thoughts about the Apology and the impact it had had on many Indigenous people’s lives.

An extract of the DOMO Boys was screened to remind us about the lives of the Stolen Generation. Stevie Hart a former Dormitory boy shared a few moving words with us. Stevie composed a beautiful song which features throughout the film about the Dormitory Boys.Four of the local schools sent student representatives who shared personal views and reflections about the Apology. Murgon State High School students kicked off with information about the history of the Apology. We also gave people a chance to come up and share their thoughts and feelings about the Apology. The response was heart warming.

Sandra Morgan chairperson of the Ration Shed Museum introduced the book we are launching – “On the Banks of the Barambah – A History of Cherbourg”. Lesley Williams one of the authors, spoke a little about the history and presented the oldest resident in Cherbourg with a copy of the book as a gift. Tricia Button from the ICC (The organisation that funded the book) said some wonderful things about the Ration Shed Museum and our new book.

We are very grateful to the Healing Foundation for funding this event and to the ICC for funding the production of the book. We also want to thank all our supporters who came from far and wide to be part of this event.

Please note “On the Banks of the Barambah – A history of Cherbourg” is for sale from our online shop or from our Museum shop. It costs $39.95

the Barambah Dancers welcomed everyone to country.

Ada Simpson shared her personal thoughts about the Apology

The Apology event and book launch were so well attended

Cherbourg State School students spoke about the Apology

Murgon State High School spoke about the history of the Apology

Moffatdale Primary school students

Murgon Primary School students

Standing room only. What a great turn out

Stevie Hart a former Dormitory Boys said a few moving words about what the Apology meant to him.

Bevan opened up the mic to the floor. Dada said a few wonderful words

Tarita Fisher and Ron Unwin from Community Health had a great discussion about the Apology

Bevan showing off our new book

It was lovely to see so many people come to support the event

The Principal of Shaftsbury College said a few words

Tarita Fisher from Community Health spoke about the Apology

Tricia Button from the ICC said a few wonderful words about the Ration Shed Museum. The ICC funded the production of the book.